Union Cabinet Establishes International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

• 02 Mar 2024

On 29th February, the Union Cabinet announced the formation of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with Rs 150 crore budgetary support for a period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

Key Points

• Objective and Origins: PM launched the initiative in April 2023, aiming to conserve lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, snow leopards, jaguars, and pumas.
• Membership and Structure: Modelled after the International Solar Alliance, IBCA includes 96 big cat range countries, along with non-range countries, conservation partners, and scientific organizations.
• Organizational Setup: IBCA proposes an assembly of members, a standing committee, and a secretariat in India. The Environment Ministry will appoint an interim director general until a permanent office-bearer is elected.